Monday, March 5, 2012

It's Monday, What Are YOU Reading? 3/5/12

This week I am sharing two weeks worth of reading. I was very busy last week and did not gt around to posting (sorry!).

I have been reading a LOT of picture books. Both in my search for quality picture gooks for middle grade students, as well as in my attempt to accomplish the Caldecott Challenge. Here are the ones I have read over the past two weeks:



I also read two chapter books:

Inside Out and Back Again is the story of a Vietnamese family's journey to America as refugees from the Vietnam War. It tells the story of their highs and lows as they adjust to the way of life in the United States, through verse and the eyes of a young girl. Based on the author's own experience, Inside Out and Back Again is a wonderfully written story about strength, courage, and finding your place in a new world. 



Bigger Than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder (a favorite Twitter author of mine) is the story of 12 year old Rebecca and her family coming to terms with looming possibility of divorce. When Rebecca's mother decides to pack up the kids and head for her home state of Atlanta, Rebecca is understandably resentful. She spends her first day sulking in the attic of her grandmother's house. There, she discovers a collection of bread boxes, but one in particular catches her eye. It isn't until later that she discovers it has the power to grant wishes...as long as they aren't bigger than a bread box. Rebecca also learns that for every wish you make, there is a consequence. I loved this book because of its realness, but also its qualities of mystery and fantasy. The kids are already lined up to read it!




5 comments:

  1. Interrupting Chicken and Amos McGee are great picture books! I just read Amos with a high schooler the week before last. I love stories of friendship. I need to read Inside Out and Back Again, I really enjoy historical fiction about Vietnam/Vietnam War because my dad is a Vietnam Vet. And, I also love Bigger Than a Breadbox. Laurel is great.

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  2. Hmmm Bigger than a Breadbox is one I must get and read too. Your words encourage me.
    Kathryn

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  3. I used to use Amelia and Eleanor as a picture book when I studied biographies with my fifth graders. Both the words and illustrations in that book are amazing.

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  4. WOW! You've been busy! I said I was going to do the caldecott and newbery challenge, but haven't done well with them so far! :) I have read 20 books so far this year, just not the ones I planned!!!!

    Shannon
    http://www.extremereadingandwriting.wordpress.com

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  5. Jen: All great books! My kids are loving them, too. These are the ones I checked out from the library to bring into my classroom. SO fun!

    Kathryn: It was SO good...a real page turner!

    Maria: I love this idea! I will need to use it next year!

    Shannon: It is certainly challenging. I must admit, I am enjoying the Caldecott one more than the Newbery one...as I am sure you can see! :)

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